Patryk's Journey with Cloud Elemental

At Cloud Elemental, we’re committed to fostering growth and progression for emerging talent. Our Elemental Academy is designed to equip graduates with the technical expertise and consultancy skills needed to thrive in the world of Cloud & DevOps.

Patryk, now an Associate DevOps Consultant, started his journey with us as a Graduate and has since taken on new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities for growth. In this article, he reflects on his experience - from starting with no prior AWS knowledge to stepping into a role where he’s shaping the future of Cloud Elemental.

Check out his story below!

I’m Patryk, and I’m an Associate DevOps Consultant at Cloud Elemental.

After graduating with a degree in Computer Science from the University of Greenwich, my exposure to Cloud technologies was limited. However, I was eager to continue my learning journey to dive into the world of DevOps. The Elemental Academy presented itself as the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between academia and the industry.

Whilst at the University of Greenwich, I gained a solid foundation in Computer Science, but Cloud technologies like AWS weren’t part of the curriculum. This gap in my knowledge initially seemed daunting, but it also fuelled my motivation to learn.

Why Cloud Elemental??

Cloud Elemental’s Elemental Academy stood out to me because of its comprehensive training programme, which balances practical tasks with preparation for AWS certifications. What’s more, it offers a unique focus on developing the soft skills that are essential for client-facing roles. The Academy provides everything needed to succeed as a DevOps engineer, from technical expertise to consultancy skills. Also, most importantly, my first impression of Cloud Elemental was that it is a company which nurtures learning and supports growth & progression. After being with the company for a few months, my opinion is unchanged!?

My Experience with the Cloud so far?

Starting with no prior experience with AWS, I had to absorb a lot of information quickly. The learning curve is steep, but the support from my fellow Elementals has been invaluable. Whenever I hit a roadblock, there is always someone to guide me in the right direction, making the initial challenges more manageable.

My first hands-on experience with AWS was actually during the interview process, where I was given an AWS-based practical task to test my problem-solving abilities. After joining Cloud Elemental, I was assigned more complex tasks, such as replication across different AWS accounts and adding KMS encryption to secure data. These initial tasks have already broadened my understanding of AWS and its capabilities.

Stepping Up: From Graduate to Associate

Moving from a Graduate role to an Associate has been an exciting step, packed with learning and new challenges. I’m part of a team building products for the AWS Marketplace, and my role has expanded beyond just coding. I am involved in planning product workflows, brainstorming new features, and determining the best ways to implement them. A major part of my role also involves presenting ideas to the team, which has helped me build confidence - an essential skill when working directly with clients.

As a Graduate, I was exposed to a wide range of Cloud technologies, but as an Associate, I’m more focused on problem-solving, decision-making, and taking ownership of tasks. The most rewarding aspect has been the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned, take ownership of tasks, and see the direct impact of my work.

How about the culture?

Regular meetings and catch-ups provide a platform to present our progress on tasks, which has been instrumental in developing my presentation skills. Watching experienced consultants present their work has also been a great learning experience, offering insights into effective communication and problem-solving.

Collaboration with my fellow Elementals has been a key part of the learning process. Everyone is eager to help, providing guidance and sharing their own experiences, which has been incredibly helpful for tackling challenges and finding solutions. The supportive environment at Cloud Elemental has made it much easier to overcome the difficulties of learning new technologies and processes.

As Patryk continues to grow in his role as an Associate DevOps Consultant, we’re proud to support his development—from building technical expertise to taking ownership of key projects. The Elemental Academy isn’t just a programme; it’s a launchpad for future Cloud consultants, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive.

If you’re looking for a career with endless learning opportunities, check out our Elemental Academy – https://cloudelemental.com/elemental-academy/ – and discover how you can become part of the Cloud Elemental team!